International Psychiatrists: Updates to Specialist Registration Pathway
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) have implemented significant changes to the registration process in a move to simplify the journey for international Psychiatrists looking to work in Australia
From April 2025, the requirement to have a job offer before applying for specialist assessment with RANZCP has been removed. RANZCP have also launched an accelerated specialist assessment process for international specialist psychiatrists who meet specific requirements.
These amendments aim to streamline the registration process for Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) in psychiatry and apply to SIMGs who have not yet completed or undergone the RANZCP Specialist Assessme
What’s Changed for Psychiatrists?
Apply for assessment without a job:
SIMGs can now apply for RANZCP Specialist Assessment without first securing a job offer.
While the assessment no longer requires a job offer, you will still need a confirmed job offer to begin your supervised practice once your assessment is complete.
The type of job offer needed will depend on your assessment outcome:
- Partial Comparability: A Psychiatry Registrar-level job offer is acceptable to begin this placement. More details can be found on the RANZCP’s Partial Comparability Placement webpage.
- Substantial Comparability: A Consultant-level Psychiatrist job offer is required for this placement. Comprehensive information on suitable employment is available on the RANZCP’s Substantial Comparability Placement webpage.
Accelerated pathway:
RANZCP have also launched an accelerated pathway for international specialist Psychiatrists who hold the MRCPsych (UK) qualification with CCT/CCST. For applicants who qualify, the assessment process will take approximately 9 weeks from receipt of application.
To be eligible for the accelerated pathway you must:
- hold the MRCPsych (UK) as well as CCT/CCST
- have AMC primary source verification
- intend to live and work in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand permanently.
Over time, the RANZCP plans to expand the list of international psychiatry qualifications that can receive accelerated status.
If you don’t qualify for the accelerated pathway, you may still apply for the specialist assessment.
How can we help?
At Elective Recruitment, we specialise in placing skilled Psychiatrists in jobs across Australia. If you are a Psychiatrist looking for work in Australia, we can guide you through the job search, registration and relocation process from start to finish. If you would like to learn more or discuss the options available to you, please do not hesitate to contact us at hello@elective.com.au
We are here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions about this change or your specialist pathway journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert team. We’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect psychiatry job and navigate the registration process with ease. Contact us today for a confidential chat.
Are you looking for a new job?
At Elective Recruitment, we specialise in placing doctors into permanent, fixed-term and locum jobs across Australia. Explore our current opportunities and let us connect you with the perfect Psychiatry role.
